Hyundai Elantra

The 2018 Hyundai Accent is an all-new subcompact sedan.Available in three trims, a fully loaded model can be had for under $20,000.

If “entry level” represents the 2018 Hyundai Accent, then you find yourself in a laudable position. Hyundai’s smallest model has always had its accent on value, but its latest version is handsome, nimble and supplies a quiet cabin.

The Hyundai Accent remains one of the few new models you can buy for about $15,000 with a well-equipped Limited coming in at just under $20,000. Now in its 24th year and launching its fifth generation, the latest model comes as a five-door sedan only. Canada and Mexico continue to enjoy a five-door hatchback too.

2018 Hyundai Accent Overview

The 2018 Accent is a front-wheel drive, subcompact model with room for five. It is available in three trims: SE, SEL and Limited. My test model was the Accent Limited with a final price of $19,905.

Hyundai is always aggressive with its retail cash and/or financing offer. We have not seen a lease on the Accent in about a year — my recommendation is to buy one. If you must finance, you will likely acquire the title within five years. That leaves another five years of Hyundai’s powertrain warranty to keep you covered.

Hyundai Accent by the Trim

Customarily, I review models as a whole, leaning heavily on the trim presented to me. That almost always means the top trim, which also means you do not always have an accurate picture of the models available.

So, instead, we will break things down by trim and include pricing information. However, we do not include the $885 destination fee or taxes, tags, insurance or other expenses. As for discounts and other specials, you will need to head over to the Hyundai retail site for the current details.

Accent SE ($14,995)

All 2018 Accent models come with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai pairs this engine with a six-speed manual transmission. If you prefer the six-speed automatic standard elsewhere, add $1,000 to your price.

Standard exterior equipment includes power side mirrors and 15-inch steel wheels. Inside, you will find power windows, power door locks, a tilt steering column, air conditioning, cloth seats and a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat.

Tech features include a 5-inch color display, a four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and USB and auxiliary audio ports. Among the safety highlights you will find a rearview camera with dynamic parking guidelines.

Accent SEL ($17,295)

As is usually the case, moving away from the base model brings with it important benefits. Typically, this is where we recommend shoppers start their search as there are multiple amenities not available elsewhere offered there.

To begin, the Accent SEL comes with automatic headlights and puts disc brakes at all four corners. You will also find heated side mirrors and 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside, Hyundai adds a center console with a sliding cover and includes a front passenger seatback pocket.

Among the tech items, there is a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio. Hyundai also brings in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rear USB charging port and a seven-inch color display. The Android and Apply smartphone features are a big deal for many drivers.

Accent Limited ($18,895)

The Accent Limited is the model that seems most like the Sonata, Hyundai’s popular midsize sedan. In fact, if you called it a “Baby Sonata” you would not be too off the mark. This model has chrome touches on the grille and beltline molding and LED daytime running lights and LED tail lamps.

On the tech front you will find a proximity key with push-button start (the car senses your presence and unlocks the driver’s door), a hands-free trunk and the Blue Link connected car system. Here, you get a three-year complimentary Blue Link subscription, what provides such features as remote engine start (not on the manual), in-car maintenance scheduling, remote lock and unlock and car finder. It works with your iPhone, Apple Watch, Amazon Alexa, Android, Google Assistant and smartwatches powered with Wear OS by Google.

The Accent Limited also supplies forward collision-avoidance assist, not available on the other trims.

Packages and Accessories

What you won’t find with with any Hyundai Accent are packages as everything comes built into the respective trim.

On the other hand, you can opt for dealer-installed accessories, including a cargo tray ($80), mudguards ($115) and carpeted floor mats ($125). The Accent’s appeal is for budget-minded owners and it succeeds in that endeavor.

On the Road: 2018 Hyundai Accent

Regardless of trim, all models have a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. With an output of 130 horsepower, you will enjoy considerably more horsepower than what similar-sized engines produced just a generation ago. Hyundai uses gasoline direct injection, delivering gasoline directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder.

The technology means your Accent moves faster and burns less gas, although we noticed the engine is loud under hard acceleration. And as for efficiency, we’ve seen larger engines in bigger cars return a higher number than the 38 mpg highway for the Accent.

Although we cannot count on the workings of the manual, we can do with the automatic. The automated gearbox is best operated in drive mode where the shift pattern is cleaner. Yes, we noticed the Accent’s transmission has a tendency to stretch out gear shifts longer than what we like and at times hunt around for the right gear under full throttle.

Steering is light and loose feeling, not exactly supplying certainty or clarity on the road. Working in the Accent’s favor is its size, which makes it easy to enter and leave tight spaces. The Accent won’t win plaudits for ride comfort, particularly on washboard surfaces. At least you’ll know which portions of the road to notify the DOT of needed repairs. The front seats are supportive with ample head and leg room. Rear seat access is tight, but once you’re seated that space easily rivals some midsize cars. Just don’t expect to seat three adults, even in a pinch.

Hyundai Accent Parting Thoughts

The Hyundai Accent is the attainable car for consumers who might also consider a late-model used car. That said, if you are in a favorable financial position, then the Accent Limited is the best choice, simply for its many amenities.

Hyundai remains strong in the car space, even as some competing manufacturers pull back or limit their offers. Not only will you find the compact Elantra and midsize Sonata sedans, but a line of compact electrified vehicles under the Ioniq umbrella. This spring, the Veloster Coupe returns after a one-year absence, bringing with it a turbo and the first expression of the brand’s “N” performance line.

Finally, always seeming to work in the Hyundai scheme of things is its class-leading warranties. From its fully transferable new car warranty to its lengthy powertrain warranty and onto its roadside assistance plan, Hyundai offers maximum protection combined with a minimum price. That represents value with a capital V.

The Hyundai Elantra is a model that keeps on giving. Giving, as in great value, multiple trim levels, three engine choices and a selection of transmissions. While all automakers are feeling the impact of consumers shifting their purchase decisions away from cars to utility vehicles and trucks, Hyundai holds fast with the Elantra and other small models.

Indeed, Hyundai has a “no quit” attitude when it comes to its smaller models. For instance, the compact Elantra sedan was all-new in 2017, followed by the next-generation Elantra GT (hatchback) and subcompact Accent for the 2018 model year. As for the sporty Tiburon, it is sitting out the 2018 model year as an all-new 2019 model arrives early next year.

Further, I’d be remiss to not include the Ioniq, Hyundai’s new line of Prius-battling hybrid models featuring standard hybrid, electric, and plug-in hybrid variants. The standard hybrid is in dealer showrooms, the electric vehicle a California-only model, while the PHEV arrives in the coming weeks for national distribution.

Seeing that small cars aren’t for everyone, Hyundai will soon add its smallest SUV yet when the Kona arrives early next year, slotting beneath the compact Tucson SUV. Regarding SUVs, Hyundai also offers the Santa Fe Sport and Santa Fe. As for its largest sedan, that would once again be the Sonata as the Azera retired last year.

2018 Hyundai Elantra

So, what about the model at hand? Why, that would be none other than the 2018 Hyundai Elantra, available in six trims: SE ($17,835), SEL ($19,735), Value Edition ($20,735), Eco ($21,435), Sport ($22,685), and Limited ($22,985). Prices include Hyundai’s $885 destination charge for the Elantra.

My test model was the Limited, outfitted with the Ultimate Package ($4,350) and carpeted floor mats ($125) for a sticker price of $27,460. That’s before taking discounts — Hyundai routinely offers special savings, particularly as the year comes to a close.

As of this writing, discounts of up to $3,500 come with the Elantra or buyers can choose 0-percent APR financing plus get $1,000 to apply to their down payment.

Elantra: Making the Grade

With six trims (or grades) to choose from, Hyundai tries to supply something for everyone. Certainly, your purchase decision will depend at least in part on your budget. For this reason, we’ll examine all six and make a few recommendations along the way and in our conclusion.

1. Elantra SE

The base model offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It is one of two models offering a six-speed manual transmission. Or, you can opt for a six-speed automatic transmission for $1,000. This model makes an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission or 26/36 mpg city/highway with the manual gearbox.

4. Elantra Eco

The most efficient Elantra is the Eco, powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with an output of 128 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Sending power to the front wheels is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain combination is exclusive to the Eco and for this reason, it also is the most efficient of the six trims, delivering an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

Besides the powertrain combination, there are no differences between the Value and Eco editions.

There are no packages available with this trim.

5. Elantra Sport

Like the Eco, the Elantra Sport has its own unique powertrain combination. Whereas, the Eco is about optimizing efficiency, the Sport is all about maximizing performance. The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine powering this sedan makes 195 horsepower and 201 pound-feet of torque and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. Or, you can opt for the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and pay $1,100. However, fuel economy takes a hit as this model make an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Choose the automatic and you’ll realize 26/33 mpg city/highway.

With a name like Sport, you’d expect certain fetching amenities to accompany this model. As a matter of fact, you do. Indeed, this model adds high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, LED tail lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport touches on the front and rear fascia, and a sport-tuned suspension and steering. Further, you’ll also find sport instrument gauge cluster, a flat-bottom steering wheel, leather front seats, and a black headliner.

This trim also offers a package, specifically a Premium Package ($2,250). Here, you’ll gain such features as Blue Link telematics, navigation, and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system.

6. Elantra Limited

The Elantra Limited shares the same engine with the base model, but it also pulls out all the stops in the premium department. It begins with chrome touches on the grille and beltline molding and extends to such features as dynamic bending light technology (the better to see around dark corners) and advances with such features as leather seats, a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, and gloss black interior accents.

This trim also offers the Ultimate Package ($4,350), delivering such features as automatic high beams, a power sunroof, navigation, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system, and heated rear seats. Moreover, this package is the only one to offer advanced driver-assist features such as smart cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

On the Road with the Hyundai Elantra

With the 2.0-liter engine under the hood, I immediately set out to learn more about this compact Hyundai. I’ve driven Hyundai models with the other two engines, but most shoppers will likely choose a model powered by this engine.

If you’re looking for a vehicle to take you from Point A to Point B, the Elantra doesn’t disappoint. It is both economical and capable — under hard acceleration, this sedan provides sufficient kick to move you down the freeway entrance ramp or pass slow-moving traffic. Handling is light to the touch and steering, although not especially engaging, is responsive. The brakes are firm with little fade of note.

The smaller the car, the more likely you’ll feel the road and not in a way that’s especially rewarding. Like other compact cars, the Elantra has grown in recent years, putting a little extra room between the wheels. This makes for a more comfortable ride, enhanced by seats that do their part to absorb at least some of the discomfort. Passing over railroad tracks and hitting the occasional pothole confirmed that there’s enough suspension damping present to please most people.

Competitive Set

Nearly every manufacturer participates in the compact car segment. One notable except is Dodge, which canceled the slow-selling Dart last year.

Parting Thoughts

I’m well versed in all things Elantra, having driven every model except for the Accent and Tiburon. That said, I expect I’ll have the opportunity to test drive both models in the coming year.

Of the five Elantra models I’ve driven, all but one was a Limited. The other was the Value Edition and that’s my recommended trim for this model line. On the other hand, if you prize advanced driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic braking, you have no choice but to purchase the Limited equipped with the Ultimate Package — same as my test model.

Regardless of your choice, Hyundai aggressively discounts its cars as mentioned earlier. You might do well to establish your budget first, then shop based on the incentives. With careful research, you might choose a better-equipped model or use those extra funds toward increasing your down payment. Regardless, you’ll come away with one of the best models in this segment with generous standard warranties to back you.